LCDC says goodbye to Harry

The Leavenworth County Development Corporation's economic development coordinator has announced she will be leaving the organization next week.

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By Tim Linn

The Leavenworth Times - Leavenworth, KS

By Tim Linn

Posted Aug. 17, 2013 at 8:45 AM

By Tim Linn

Posted Aug. 17, 2013 at 8:45 AM

The Leavenworth County Development Corporation's economic development coordinator has announced she will be leaving the organization next week.

Cecilia Harry will leave the position she's had since March 2011 leading, primarily, the business expansion and retention efforts as one of three staff members of LCDC. She will become the executive director for the Greater Fremont Development Council in Fremont, Neb.

“I am excited about the opportunity,” she said.

But Harry also said she leaves behind a community that has left an impression on her.

“I've enjoyed the 2 1/2 years that I've had with this community,” she said. “Great business people, great place to live, so much potential for this county, so many people passionate about taking Leavenworth County to the next level.”

She also praised the county for making her, having grown up in Minnesota and attended college in Indiana and St. Louis, feel at home and for making her feel how much she will be missed.

“You all will be missed just as much,” she said.

Harry's last day with LCDC will be Wednesday.

LCDC Executive Director Steve Jack said Harry has represented the organization well, beefing up the number of visits with existing businesses, strengthening social media marketing and heading a trails committee, which recently completed its first printed trails map.

“This is going to be a huge loss for our organization, a huge loss for the communities that Cecilia has invested a lot of time, sweat and passion for over what is now just over two years with our agencies,” he said.

Jack said her accomplishments make her shoes hard ones to fill.

“We will miss her enthusiasm, hard work and intellect,” he said.

A farewell reception for Harry was held Friday afternoon at the LCDC office. During the reception, she presented Jack with a plaque that reads "best boss ever."

"It's easy to be a good boss when you have an employee and friend like Cecilia," Jack said.